Programme to build learning culture outside of school

KUCHING: The parents and community engagement programme will help build a culture that supports learning even outside schools.

According to Sarawak Education Department deputy director Abang Mat Ali Abang Masagus, the programme is part of the process to transform the national education system so that it is on par with other education systems globally.

He said the programme would seek to get schools accept the presence of and contributions from the parents, the community and the private sector, as well as improve the understanding and involvement of parents, community, and private sector in school activities.

“It is hoped that this programme could directly increase the mutual respect (and) trust between teachers and parents at school, and enhance the role of parents as the school strategic partner to improve school’s quality and students’ abilities.

“It is also hoped that it would improve the quality of education in terms of academics, personality, and discipline as well as sports and co-curriculum,” he said at the launch of the programme in SMK Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Gapor Stampin here yesterday.

Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong officiated at the event.

Abang Mat Ali, who represented the Sarawak Education Department director, noted that the ninth shift in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 has established that the involvement of parents, community and private sector needs to be expanded and strengthened.

“The learning ecosystems in the 21st century have transformed the concept of school-based education to a wider scale of learning systems,” he said.